Norepinephrine Causes Fewer Adverse Events Than Dopamine in the Treatment of Shock

Both dopamine and norepinephrine (Levophed) are recommended as first-line vasopressor agents in the treatment of shock. There is a continuing controversy about whether one agent is superior to the other.

Although there was no significant difference in the rate of death between patients with shock who were treated with dopamine as the first-line vasopressor agent and those who were treated with norepinephrine, the use of dopamine was associated with a greater number of adverse events.

References:

Comparison of Dopamine and Norepinephrine in the Treatment of Shock. NEJM, 2010.

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